Factors affecting feeding selectivity in herbivorous Ascoglossa (Mollusca: Opisthobranchia)

Food preference and growth were investigated for 13 Florida Ascoglossa. In about half of the species investigated there was a significant preference for one particular food plant. Growth rates were generally highest on the preferred food, and also, species feeding on ephemeral food plants had higher growth rates than species feeding on annual or perennial food plants. A correlation exists between ascoglossan foot width and filament diameter of food plants in species feeding on filamentous algae, and in all species between length and/or diameter of leading radular tooth and size of filaments, utricles or cells of food plants. There was no correlation between food preference and caloric content or ash content of food plants. Thus, structure of food plants seems to be the most important factor in food recognition and preference in Ascoglossa.